1984 by George Orwell: Book Review

Published in 1949, George Orwell’s 1984 is a dystopian masterpiece that has become a cultural touchstone for discussions about surveillance, authoritarianism, and the fragility of truth. Set in a totalitarian state where the Party controls every aspect of life, the novel explores themes of power, control, and resistance in a world stripped of freedom.

The Jungle: The Novel That Changed America—and Why It Still Matters

When Upton Sinclair published The Jungle in 1906, his intention was clear: to expose the brutal exploitation of immigrant labor in America’s industrial cities. What he didn’t expect was that his vivid descriptions of unsanitary meatpacking practices would spark a national outcry and lead to the passage of landmark legislation. “I aimed at the public’s heart, and by accident I hit it in the stomach.” —Upton Sinclair

The Grapes of Wrath: A Timeless Portrait of Struggle and Solidarity

By John Steinbeck – A Review When John Steinbeck published The Grapes of Wrath in 1939, America was still reeling from the effects of the Great Depression. The Dust Bowl had driven thousands of families from their land, and the promise of California as a land of opportunity lured many westward. Steinbeck captured this migration in a novel that is both a deeply personal family saga and a sweeping social critique. Eighty-five years later, its themes, which eerily resonate with our current social and environmental crises, remain hauntingly relevant.

List Hidden Taxation in the American Enterprise System

If there is any question about the top tax bracket being 70% or more, think again. Hidden taxes are the culprit.

Inflation as a “Hidden Tax”: What It Is, Who Pays, and Why It Matters

Economists have long referred to inflation as a hidden (or stealth) tax because it reduces the purchasing power of money without a vote or new legislation. Milton Friedman put it bluntly: “Inflation is a form of taxation without legislation.” He argued that it acts directly on cash balances and—through unindexed tax rules—quietly raises practical tax burdens as prices rise.

The Power of Repetition: How Lies Become “Truth” and How to Fight Back

Propaganda, a potent force that thrives on a simple yet powerful principle: repeat a lie often enough, and it begins to feel true. This isn’t just a political tactic—it’s a psychological phenomenon deeply rooted in how our brains process information. Understanding why repetition works—and how to counter it—is not just important, but urgent in today’s media-saturated world.

What Does It Really Mean to Be Purpose-Driven?

We hear it all the time: “I’m purpose-driven.” But what does that mean in practice?

Church and Non-Profit Owners Can Now Unlock Hidden Value in California Real Estate Through Entitlement Arbitrage:

California’s evolving land use laws have created a rare window of opportunity for church and non-profit corporations. With the state now overriding local municipalities in the approval process, properties once constrained by zoning limitations can now be repositioned for high-density residential development—dramatically increasing their value.

“Send in the Clowns.” Origin and Meaning.

The phrase “send in the clowns” has both a literal origin and a figurative meaning that evolved:

For Zombie companies that do not have cash flow to sustain their business, they must issue more stock or borrow to keep operating. How does the ultimate collapse occur? Gradual, then absolute!

The collapse of a zombie company, a firm that cannot generate enough operating cash flow to cover its debt service and must rely on issuing equity or borrowing more, follows a predictable sequence of financial stress events. This predictability is crucial in understanding the systemic implications of such collapses.

"The Invisible Obstacle: How Secretive Bureaucracies Undermine Progress"

Many employees are so entrenched in their jobs as to create an aura of business activity without disclosing anything to the manager or the leadership. Sally has been with us so long that “I’m confident she is doing her job.” But Sally is deeply entrenched, while playing the quiet-quitting and quiet resignation. She is victimizing her company. This is particularly prevalent when affirmative action is part of the equation.

The Psychological Symbolism of Winnie the Pooh: A Cohesive Portrait of Personalities—and the Role of Tigger’s Exuberance

The world of the Hundred Acre Wood is a captivating casebook of human temperament. Each character, with their distinct emotional style or motivational tendency, contributes to a balanced ecosystem of traits. This intricate balance is a fascinating study in how differences in energy, mood, and control can clash yet also complement one another when guided by empathy and wise boundaries.

The 1998 Long-Term Capital Management Collapse was a Significant Event in Financial History that Warrants a Detailed study.

The shortcomings of financial leverage, computerized annualization, market hype, and moral hazards. A great read is the book “Conspiracy of Fools,” about the collapse of LTCM.

What is the Impact of Financial Leverage On Investment Yields? Understanding the potential benefits of financial leverage can be a game-changer for your investment strategy.

The impact of financial leverage differs significantly between stocks and real estate, primarily due to differences in asset characteristics, financing structures, volatility, and income generation.

The Distinction between truth and Illusion in American Politics: An Analysis of facts, Frames, and the Post-Truth Challenges.

In an era where the battle between objective facts and manufactured narratives is shaping American politics, understanding the difference between truth and illusion is more crucial than ever.

Police State, Tyranny, Authoritarianism, and Totalitarianism:

Understanding the Differences and Lessons for Modern Governance

The Social Security Trust Fund Illusion: What Americans Should Know

For decades, Americans have been told that the Social Security Trust Fund is a reserve of assets set aside to pay future benefits. In everyday language, “trust fund” evokes an image of money invested and waiting to be drawn down.

Significance of The Three Billy Goats Gruff

The Three Billy Goats Gruff is a classic Norwegian fairy tale first collected by Peter Christen Asbjørnsen and Jørgen Moe in the 1840s and later translated into English in 1859. It belongs to the Aarne–Thompson folktale.

The Hidden Driver of Productivity: Why Engagement Matters More Than You Think

Executives often focus on tools, generally technical, time management, and objectives and key results (OKRs). However, the key factor that consistently distinguishes ordinary performance from exceptional results is engagement.

The Hidden Driver of Productivity: Why Engagement Matters More Than You Think

Executives often focus on tools, generally technical, time management, and objectives and key results (OKRs). However, the key factor that consistently distinguishes ordinary performance from exceptional results is engagement.

A Case for Intrinsic Motivation: Why People Want to Learn, Work, and Excel Without Coercion

People do not need compulsion from the state—or any heavy-handed authority—to learn and get ahead. They need conditions that unlock the empowering force of intrinsic motivation: autonomy, competence, and relatedness.

How connected is the USA to Israel?

The relationship between the U.S. and Israel is not just a bilateral alliance, but a unique and significant factor in global geopolitics. It stands as one of the most financially and politically intertwined alliances in the world, underscoring its exceptional nature--In terms of payments to, and in turn, Israel lobbying the U.S legislature for preferential treatment?

California’s Entitlement Feed Back Loop: When Good Intentions, Bureaucracy, and Market Reality Collide

California prides itself on protecting consumers, tenants, and communities. However, as “I’m entitled to some of yours” expectations harden into mandates, the machinery required to deliver on those expectations grows—rules multiply, compliance becomes a business line of its own, and costs cascade through housing, insurance, and everyday enterprise.

Why Mutual Cooperation Is Breaking Down—and What’s Driving It

For decades, commerce and civic life rested on an implicit social contract: cooperation and mutual respect.

John Stuart Mill’s Contributions to Freedom: Historical Context and Impact

“The only purpose for which power can be rightfully exercised over any member of a civilized community, against his will, is to prevent harm to others.”

John Stuart Mill: Historical Context and Enduring Impact

John Stuart Mill (1806–1873) wrote in the long shadow of the Industrial Revolution and the Victorian reform era—a period marked by expanding literacy, democratization, religious pluralism, and unprecedented social mobility, but also by entrenched hierarchies and intense pressure to conform.

Police State, Tyranny, Authoritarianism, and Totalitarianism: Understanding the Differences and Lessons for Modern Governance

Throughout history, societies have grappled with different forms of oppressive governance. While terms like police state, tyranny, authoritarianism, and totalitarianism are often used interchangeably, they describe distinct political realities. Understanding these differences is crucial for recognizing early warning signs in modern democracies.

How People Develop Their Frame of Reference—and Why It Matters in Business and Finance

Discover how frames of reference shape decision-making in business and finance. Learn the key factors that influence perspectives and why understanding them is critical for success.

W. Edwards Deming: The Architect of Modern Quality Management

W. Edwards Deming (1900–1993) was a statistician, engineer, and management visionary whose ideas transformed global industry. Best known for his work in post-war Japan, Deming introduced principles that shifted quality from an inspection-based activity to a management-driven, systemic process.

Joseph Juran and the Pareto Principle: How 80/20 Thinking Transformed Quality Management

Joseph Juran, a pioneer in quality management, introduced the transformative power of the Pareto Principle—the idea that a small number of causes often account for the majority of effects.

From “Ta Biblia” to “Holy Bible”: The Evolution of a Sacred Name

The phrase “Holy Bible” is so familiar today that it feels timeless. Yet, the name we use for Christianity’s foundational text has a long and fascinating history, shaped by language, culture, and theology. Here’s how the term evolved from ancient Greek scrolls to the English title we know today.

The Dr. Zhivago Effect In California

Many of us are old enough to remember the classic novel Dr. Zhivago, completed in 1956 by Boris Pasternak, a Nobel prize-winning masterpiece…The 1966 film adaptation of the story went on to win six Academy Awards. It is a romantic drama set in historic Russia between the years before World War I and the Russian Civil War of 1917-1922…

The Role of Labor Unions and Factory Committees in the 1917 Russian Revolution

History has a propensity to repeat itself, while each generation of participants possesses no knowledge of the past. This is by design, and the system of government bodies that benefits from keeping its population ignorant. That was prevalent during the Russian Revolution of 1917. Look around today, and we will find that the average person is entirely ignorant of history and the way the economic engine of America works.

Mitigation Plan for Pesky Rabbits In the Yard Eating Your Plants and Lawn, While Leaving Evidence Through Constant Excrement Droppings

Here are some practical and humane ways to get rid of rabbits in your yard:

The Alarming Scope of Elder Abuse in the United States: A Hidden Epidemic

By any measure, elder abuse in the United States is a public health and public safety crisis hiding in plain sight. As America ages—older adults will comprise roughly 23% of the population by 2050—the frequency, severity, and cost of abuse are rising, while reporting remains stubbornly low. That combination makes elder abuse both widespread and chronically undercounted.

The Alarming Scope of Financial Elder Abuse- Part II

According to the National Adult Protective Services Association (NAPSA), only 1 in 44 cases of financial elder abuse is reported. Victims of financial exploitation are three times more likely to die and four times more likely to enter a nursing home without sufficient funds.

Practical, Evidence-based Ways to Mitigate Internal Body Inflammation:

Inflammation is telling us that it is involved in the process of recognizing and removing harmful and foreign stimuli, as well as potential disease-causing substances. The process is part of our body’s defense mechanism.

Lies, Damned Lies, and Statistics: The Origin, Evolution, and Real-World Lessons

The phrase “lies, damned lies, and statistics” is not just a cultural shorthand for skepticism toward data-driven arguments, but a powerful reminder of the potential for manipulation in numerical data. How would we feel if we realized that government statistics were one giant reservoir of lies and misstatements? So, what do you think?

How to Win Friends and Influence People

How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie is a classic self-help book focused on improving interpersonal skills, building relationships, and becoming more persuasive and influential in both personal and professional settings.

The Power of Positive Thinking: A Practical Guide to a Resilient Mindset You Can Start Using Today

In a world increasingly defined by uncertainty, stress, and rapid change, the ability to maintain a positive outlook is more than just a feel-good mantra—it’s a strategic advantage.

Systemic Ignorance: Why So Many Americans Know So Little History—and Whether It’s by Design

If people remain ignorant from one generation to the next, then change and exploitation can easily be introduced. Each subsequent generation remains unaware of the preceding generations and only holds a frame of reference of their current generation. Manipulation and exploitation are easy because people know no difference; Ignorant people think that is the way it has always been.

How to Spot Manufactured Illusions: A Practical Guide (with Real World Examples)

Manufactured illusions don’t usually look like lies. They feel true, familiar, emotionally satisfying, and endorsed by sources we trust, or that we foolishly trust. That’s by design.

The Illusions That Shape Our Daily Lives

We like to believe what we see in the world. Much of what we accept as “truth” is built on illusions—mental shortcuts and comforting beliefs that help us navigate complexity

Seven Illusions That Shape Our Business and Finance Decisions

In the world of business and finance, certainty is a rare commodity. Yet, to make decisions, leaders often rely on assumptions that feel like facts—but are, in truth, illusions. These illusions provide comfort and simplify complexity, but when reality intrudes, they can lead to catastrophic missteps.

The Comfort of Illusions: Why Americans Mistake Stories for Truth

In today’s America, politics is less about governing and more about storytelling. Facts still exist, but they compete with something far more seductive: illusion narratives crafted to feel true, even when they aren’t. This seductive nature of illusions is what draws so many Americans into accepting them as reality. The answer to this puzzle lies in psychology, identity, and the architecture of our media ecosystem.

History of Manufacturing Consent: Edward Bernays

Edward Bernays was absolutely a propaganda specialist, though he preferred the term “public relations” after World War I because “propaganda” had developed a negative connotation.

Has the censorship complex, big tech, big media, and big business subsided or accelerated under President Donald Trump

Under President Donald Trump’s second term, the influence of the “censorship complex,” involving Big Tech, Big Media, and Big Business, has decelerated.

Is Affirmative Action Marxist? Separating Myth from Reality

Few topics spark as much debate as affirmative action. Critics often claim it’s rooted in Marxist ideology. But is that true—or just a convenient talking point?

Entrenched Bureaucracy and Legislative Burden: A Compounding Threat to Profitability in California’s Real Estate and Insurance Markets

Bureaucracy, onerous laws, and regulations are the economic cancers that continue to metastasize, inflicting severe damage to organizational efficiency and profitability.

What’s Killing Your Profitability?

10 Hidden Counter Forces (with Practical Examples, Metrics, and Fixes)

Understanding Family and Friendship Breakdowns in Polarized Times: Identity, Ideology, and Estrangement:

In an era of heightened ideological polarization, families across America are grappling with a painful reality: loved ones becoming so radicalized that they reject facts, embrace illusions, and sever ties with anyone who disagrees.

The Core Tenets of the Christian Faith: Doctrine, History, and Scripture

From its earliest days, Christianity has centered on a shared confession: one God, revealed in Jesus Christ, present by the Holy Spirit, saving humanity through the cross and resurrection, and gathering a people called the church

Personal Sovereignty and Christian Faith

Reconciling Personal Sovereignty with Commitment to Jesus

The Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, ratified in 1791 as part of the Bill of Rights, reads:

“A well-regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.”

The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution:

The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, a cornerstone of American democracy, was ratified in 1791 as part of the Bill of Rights. It safeguards several fundamental freedoms that are central to our nation’s identity and functioning. It boldly states:

The Structural Shift in Remote Work Since COVID-19, and What Comes Next

COVID-19 has transformed remote work from a niche perk to a mainstream operating model. This structural shift, after a sharp pandemic spike and a partial retreat, has now stabilized at a new equilibrium—sector-specific, skill-weighted, and globally uneven.

Does the Bureau of Labor Statistics Lie for Political Gain or Desired Propaganda to Further Their Agenda and Ideology?

The history of the Bureau of Labor Statistics provides false statistics, then revising them later as a propaganda ploy or political ploy. The BLS routinely overestimates or underestimates when it is politically expedient, and revises when it gets caught.

Once a Biker Chick, always a Biker Chick

The kids said, Give it up. No, I was made to disrupt. With every mile, my soul takes flight— I'm the queen of the highway, chasing the night.

California Property Inflation and Insurance Stress: Multiple-Torpedoed-Whammies Against the People and Private Property Rights.

California is experiencing a multitude of counter-economic forces that undermine the dream of homeownership and significantly add to the stresses of current property owners and renters alike.

Fiat Currency and Inflation Cycles: Understanding the Definition and Connection

Fiat currency—money that derives its value from government decree (force) rather than a physical commodity—has become the foundation of modern economies. While it offers flexibility and efficiency, it also introduces a critical vulnerability: the potential for manipulation, inflationary cycles, and deflationary cycles.

All About Fiat Currency:

Fiat currency plays a central role in inflation because it gives governments and central banks the ability to control the money supply.

The Future of Money: From Dollar Dominance to a Multipolar Currency World

The Life and Times of Elvis Presley: The Undisputed King of Rock and Roll

Parkinson’s Laws - About Personal And Organizational Structure

C. Northcote Parkinson: Timeless Insights for Modern Business

“Go Ahead, Make My Day”: Why Dirty Harry’s Lines Still Hit Hard

Few movie characters have carved their way into pop culture like Inspector Harry Callahan. From his debut in Dirty Harry (1971) to his final bow in The Dead Pool (1988), Clint Eastwood’s no-nonsense cop gave us some of the most quotable lines in cinema history. These weren’t just tough-guy one-liners; they were cultural markers of an era wrestling with crime, justice, and authority.

The Great Transformation: Transforming Ourselves, Our Country, and Our Way Of Life.

The primary transformation is about ourselves, as we learn and adapt to the rapid changes around us.

Identity, Ideology, and Estrangement: Understanding Family and Friendship Breakdowns in Polarized Times

In an era of heightened ideological polarization, families across America are grappling with a painful reality: loved ones becoming so radicalized that they reject facts, embrace illusions, and sever ties with anyone who disagrees.

When ideologies become so radicalized that the participant will falsify any illusion to defend their beliefs?

When someone’s ideology becomes so radicalized that they will believe any illusion to defend their beliefs, several psychological and social dynamics are often at play. Radicalization may manifest in the form of extremist views on the world in general, financial pressure, family pressure, politics, and religion.

Financial Elder Abuse in Real Estate Lending: A Cautionary Tale

According to the National Adult Protective Services Association (NAPSA), only 1 in 44 cases of financial elder abuse is reported. Victims are three times more likely to die and four times more likely to enter a nursing home without funds. With an estimated $14.6 trillion at risk, vigilance is critical.

Earners vs The Non-Productive Class and The Parasitic Takers

It’s a question of profound significance. It delves into economic productivity, social policy, and cultural values, making it a topic of great interest and relevance. Who earns, pays taxes, and contributes to the economic engine of the U.S., and who are merely takers who subsist while exploiting the productive people? I intend to exclude those who are genuinely in need of help because of age, mental, or physical handicaps.

Milton Friedman, Most Influential Economist in the 20th Century.

Milton Friedman (1912–2006) was one of the most influential economists of the 20th century, renowned for his strong advocacy of free-market capitalism and his foundational contributions to the development of monetarism. His ideas continue to shape modern economic policies, making him a significant figure in the field.

Who is Howard Roark from the Novel, The Fountainhead?

Howard Roark is the protagonist of Ayn Rand’s 1943 novel The Fountainhead. He’s a fiercely independent and idealistic young architect who represents Rand’s philosophy of individualism and creative integrity. Roark is known for his uncompromising commitment to his own architectural vision, refusing to conform to traditional styles or societal expectations.

The Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act of 1930: Part II

What are the economic and geopolitical consequences of raising tariffs today as compared to 1930

“Who is John Galt?”

Who is John Galt?” This enigmatic question, immortalized in Ayn Rand’s novel, Atlas Shrugged, published in 1957, serves as a poignant expression of despair and confusion in the face of societal decline and bureaucratic overreach.

The Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act of 1930: Part I

The Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act, officially known as the Tariff Act of 1930, was a U.S. law that raised import duties on thousands of goods to protect American businesses and farmers during the Great Depression. Sponsored by Senator Reed Smoot and Representative Willis C. Hawley, it became infamous for its unintended economic consequences, serving as a cautionary tale against hasty policy decisions.

Streamlined approval process to accelerate housing development (California).

In California housing legislation, a streamlined approval process—often referred to as a streamlined ministerial approval process—is designed to accelerate housing development by removing discretionary barriers and simplifying local review procedures.

Why Should the State of California Require All Above-Ground Electrical Lines to Be Replaced with Underground Lines?

Having electrical lines underground offers several key benefits, especially in terms of reliability, safety, and aesthetics. Here’s a breakdown of the main advantages:

The concept of benchmarking and how critical thinking contributes to its success

Benchmarking is a strategic process used in business, economics, and management to measure an organization’s performance against industry best practices or best practices from other sectors. It helps identify areas for improvement, set performance goals, and drive innovation.

Critical Thinking Has Deep Historical Roots:

The concept of critical thinking has deep historical roots, but it was Socrates (469–399 BCE) who is widely credited as one of its earliest pioneers. Through the Socratic method, he encouraged questioning assumptions, examining beliefs, and seeking clarity through dialogue—principles that are foundational to critical thinking today.

When Political Ideologies Become Warfare Against the People

Warfare against the people is a powerful and timely concept. It suggests a moment when political systems, originally intended to serve and represent the public, instead become tools of control, coercion, or oppression.

Henry David Thoreau’s Life and Major Works

Thoreau was one of America’s originalists and no conformist. From refusing to pay a poll tax to spending two years alone on Walden’s Pond, his super famous essay, "Civil Disobedience, reflects profound thinking and reasoning. Any enquiring critical thinker and non-conformist will want to explore this world-class historic character.

Peter Drucker: The Father of Modern Management

Peter Ferdinand Drucker (1909–2005) is widely regarded as the father of modern management. His pioneering work laid the foundation for contemporary management theory and practice. This essay examines Drucker’s biography, key contributions, influence on both the business and nonprofit sectors, and his enduring legacy.

Ernest Renan, a Great Philosopher, Historian, and Scholar of Religious Faiths

Renan was considered one of the greatest intellectuals in history, particularly in his studies of religion. His name and writing should be brought up more frequently due to his profound perspectives. His writings are memorable to any reader, providing insight into the origin and purpose of religious faiths.

Ralph Waldo Emerson: A Brief Overview Of A Great American Intellectual

Ayn Rand vs. Adam Smith: A Philosophical Comparison of Self-Interest

Ayn Rand’s many books are a preferred go-to for accumulating knowledge of self-interest, self-sufficiency, and one’s contribution to society. Her view is that by prioritizing self-interest, humanity as a whole will be better served. Adam Smith referred to this concept as the invisible hand.

The History of Self-Sufficiency and Individual Accountability

In America, we seem to have lost the supreme values of self-sufficiency and individual accountability, replacing them with collectivism and entitlement, where no one is held accountable. Our society has become a free-for-all frenzy without consideration of the long-term effects.

The Disintegration of Societal Foundations: A Critical Examination

The Power of Benchmarking as a Necessary Component Of Success

Benchmarking every task and project is not just a routine, but a crucial practice for continuous improvement. It helps in identifying opportunities for efficiency and informs data-driven decisions. This process provides an objective, reality-based view of performance, allowing you and your team to move past assumptions and guesswork.

Benchmark Each Task to Maximize Results in Terms of Time and Effort.

In the context of evaluating various jobs, benchmarking is a crucial process that allows you to compare the duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and compensation of specific jobs against a standard or reference point. This reference point often plays similar roles in other organizations or industry norms. By doing so, you can ensure that your job roles are competitive, fair, and aligned with industry standards, which is essential for attracting and retaining top talent.

The 10th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, ratified on December 15, 1791, is part of the Bill of Rights.

The 10th Amendment is necessary because it clearly separates the powers and authorities of the Federal and State Governments.

The Federal Supremacy Clause is found in Article VI, Clause 2 of the United States Constitution.

It establishes that the Constitution, federal laws, and treaties made under its authority are the supreme law of the land, overriding any conflicting state laws.

Temperance: The Virtue of Self-Control

Temperance is one of the classical cardinal virtues, often defined as moderation in action, thought, or feeling. It involves: Self-restraint, balance, and discipline.

How Many Different Ideologies in America Rise to The Level of a Political Force of Dominance?

In the United States, many political ideologies have become dominant or influential forces in shaping policy, public discourse, and electoral outcomes. While the two-party system (Democratic and Republican) tends to obscure the diversity of thought, many more ideologies are widely recognized as having significant political influence:

A Chorus of Personal Liberty

People experiencing poverty and the middle class beat their drums, A chorus rising—“This freedom is all that comes.”

The Poor and the Middle Class Beat their Drums—

A chorus of voices crying, “We are as free as we’ll ever be.”

“Tip of the Iceberg”: Overview, Origin, and Usage

A popular idiom, "Tip of the iceberg," refers to the portion of something immediately apparent, which obscures the deeper complexity (i.e., the underwater portion of the iceberg) of the subject being discussed.

California’s Centralized Development Approval Process: A Shift in Power

A state-level bureaucracy has taken over the development approval process, leaving local municipalities with only ministerial approval rights, subject to the state standards.

Some Folks Are So Gullible That They Fall for Every Scam Hook, Line, And Sinker

Hook, line, and sinker is a fun idiom first referenced in 1865 in print form.

Our Dilemma in Life and Learning about Those Who Lie: From Coercion or Conviction?

It’s a widespread and distressing trend: in some cases, up to 90% of college students feel they must provide false feedback to their professors. This is not just to avoid being labeled as adverse to the ideological leaning and indoctrination of their professors, but to protect their academic future.

Why Do We Tolerate Government Gaslighting?

From inflation metrics that understate the rising cost of living to wage statistics that don’t account for income inequality, the American public is routinely fed distorted data. The illusion of transparency is just that—an illusion. Behind the curtain lies a pattern of manipulation that critical thinkers must confront.

Why Are So Many Calling for a Federal Rate Cut?

The Federal Reserve’s interest rate policy is a powerful tool that influences the direction of the U.S. economy. Calls to decrease interest rates have grown louder, especially from sectors hoping to stimulate growth and boost investment. However, this approach is not without risks—particularly for the middle class.

The Great Stall of 2025-26

Far too many indicators are alarming, including move-up and move-down real estate purchases, mobility in job hunting, and technology replacing a significant number of employees, leaving too many unemployed without adequate new job prospects. The cleverly concealed inflation is not just a cause for concern but a ticking time bomb, and the emotional feeling of endless stagnation is a pressing issue that demands immediate attention.

Institutional Theft: The Systematic Transfer of Wealth from Ordinary Taxpayers to The Elites.

The people are kept busy through entertainment outlets and through continuous propaganda to ensure the status quo. The process occurs repeatedly with only minor grumbling by the people.

What happens when corporations try to manipulate consumer purchasing habits?

Manufacturers must understand and meet their purchasers' needs. When this understanding is lacking, it can lead to misallocation of assets, resulting in losses for the manufacturer and a lack of customer satisfaction and confidence in the brand. U.S. corporations have a long history of creating public relations crises, often due to this very reason.

Honey, I handle the business in the family, and I didn’t think it made any difference.

Silence is not always golden when the consequence is alienation from your spouse; lonely days and lonely nights are forthcoming. Distrust and hostilities in future dealings are a sure thing.

Caution, Zombies Ahead: Enter at Your Risks?

The experience may be devastating, the outcome full of chaos, and the emotional aftermath will be long-lasting. Be fully aware of the potential dangers that may lurk ahead; an ambush may be lying in wait.

When people asked me for advice on achieving success, I was more than willing to offer it. Here is my advice.

Unsolicited advice to others is a waste of resources, which irritates those who didn’t ask for it. But when people ask for your advice, be charitable.

The U.S. as the World Reserve Currency Status Holder

The U.S has been the world reserve currency holder since 1944, but can it last? Currently, there are major competing forces, including BRICS, which was initiated by China, Russia, India, Brazil, and South Africa, that now boast 22 applicants to become members. This is a giant international socio-economic cosmic shift in power dynamics.

Appraisers' Opinions of Values: All Are Not Equal

Some Appraisal Reports Are Useless

McMansion Blues: In Many Cases, The Transition Is Not Worth the Hassle

Inflationary Pressures Have “Come Home to Roost,” Where the Rising Cost of Property Taxes, Property Insurance, Association Dues, Capital Improvements, and Maintenance, added together, in Many Cases, Is More Than the Property Loan Payment, if there is one.

The War on Political and Cultural Marxism Is Alive, Ongoing, But Has Been Substantially Weakened. Total Victory of Annihilation is Within Reach. With Continuous Successful Efforts, We Continue to Slay This Dragon.

Why: The Dems are in compliant submission, and the Repubs are Feckless: The Repubs lack purpose, without practical skills, ineffective, incompetent, subversive agendas. The army of ordinary people must fight back against the entire system to regain their culture of freedom and democracy.

As the Public Discovered That The Response to COVID-19 was a Fraud, and wearing the Mask Was A Political Statement, Gaslighting was the Government’s, Large Corporations’, and Big Pharma’s Answer to Avoiding Responsibility

Gaslighting is “psychological manipulation,” causing the public to question their reality about the effectiveness of the phony vaccine. They relied on “phony, illusory science” because most of the testing was on mice, not human beings. The reality was that the phony vaccine was a gene-modifying mRNA substance.

Ideological Zealotry Has Replaced Critical Thinking

Empower yourself with critical thinking, a tool that enables you to examine facts, opinions, propaganda, and illusions skeptically. It's your key to determining the most likely outcome and discerning truth from propaganda.

Shoplifting begets financial losses for the business owners

Financial losses render the business unprofitable, and therefore, there is no motivation to continue operating.

Wimpy, Buy Now, Pay Later! A Lesson in Government Spending

Like Wimpy, who practices getting things today and deferring payment until later, the government subscribes to the same principle.

How To Reinvent Ourselves, Part II

When Failures Are Within Our Control

Systemic Failures Outside Our Control: Part I- Reinventing Ourselves

How To Respond When Systemic Failures Are Outside Our Control

Legacy Media as an Arbiter of Truth Is Dead, and No Time Too Soon

Since the days of Edward R Morro, the media has served as an establishment propaganda arm. Their pay was power, access, and advertising dollars while they sold out the American public.

Treating Others with Dignity and Respect Starts With Us

A peaceful coexistence with others is part of our cultural heritage, encompassing interactions with nature, government, institutions, businesses, personal relationships, strangers, and our beloved pets.

SB-549: We Could Have Guessed That This Was Coming:

The California government, using taxpayer dollars, gets into the development game in the Palisades and Eaton fire rebuilding efforts.

When I was much younger, having differing opinions was a minor irritation.

You jabbed at friends who thought differently, suggesting they had inferior intelligence or were uneducated, laughed about it, and had a beer together, essentially getting on with life as it should be.

A text message arrived on his birthday from the kids, “Hi, Dad, just wanted to wish you a happy birthday. See you later!”

No update on the kids, no mention of the grandbabies, no pictures, and no reinforcement proving the strength of family ties. Dad’s heart sinks and suffers a big thud, with a feeling of disappointment, depression, and isolation.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is not an unbiased arbitrator of information

The compilation of codes is written by people who are biased and have ideological leanings.

Welcome to The Friendly Town of Successville

Welcome to Successville, a satirical take on a society obsessed with negative connotations and warnings.

The Housing Market Is in A Dripping Downslide, Cautioning Potential Buyers to Stay Out Of The Market

Drip, Drip, Drip, a Very Sustained Slippage of Buyer's Interest to Take the Plunge to Purchase Owner-Occupied And Investment Properties.

California: Random vs Non-random Events.

There are no random events in California. Dark forces tightly control everything. We are not allowed to question or obtain an entry pass to the elite club.

Eliminate Time Wasters in Personal Life and Business

A Good Percentage of Our Days is Spent Flittering Around Without Getting Results: The question remains, why?

Have you ever found yourself in a situation where guests or relatives seem to prolong their stay? It's a familiar scenario that many of us can relate to.

Every visit follows a distinct pattern. It begins with a joyful phase of catching up and strengthening the relationship, then transitions into a phase where the guest or relative starts to feel at home in your space.

The California Legislature allows the State to live with a backdrop of Marxist corruption.

“Los Angeles is one of countless examples of how the public sector will virtue signal to rob Peter, not to pay Paul, but to pay themselves, as they are not hiding the corruption.”

All Governments Have the Propensity of Robbing Peter to Pay Paul

All governments, from democracies to dictatorships, employ organized and systemic redistribution to maintain power. This is evident in the allocation of government funds, tax policies, and social welfare programs, all of which are designed to maintain the status quo and prevent social upheaval.

The more we learn about the habits of others, the more effective we will become in our personal and business lives

There is great value in determining who to associate with and who to avoid: Some relationships are better left alone

Actions, Attitudes, and Behavior Patterns

The more we learn about the habits of others, the more effective we will become in our personal and business lives

What's the Difference Between Ignorant, Ill-informed, and Just Plain Stupid People?

Pondering this question makes little sense, but it is a fun exercise, all in the name of simple humor.

I’m as Mad As Hell, And I’m Not Going To Take This Anymore

The classic movie Network (1976) was a satirical drama film that had far-reaching implications about the American Enterprise.

A Borrower Operates With Very Little Skin in the Game, Trying To Maximize Profits

Maximum Leverage May Be Beneficial To The Borrower or May Be Used to Transfer the Developer’s Risk to the Lender

How has our approach to fashion transformed from the structured elegance of the 1950s to the current era of relaxed and individualistic styles?

Would you call today's version the relaxed fit or the unkept, non-conforming and a messy fit?

Real Estate Bubble or No Bubble: Let's Look Back at 2007 and the Mother of All Economic Crashes.

May 2010: Warren Buffett- “Very, very few people could appreciate the bubble,” which he called a “mass delusion” shared by 300 million Americans.

AB-2424: The California Legislature Has Passed Another Monster Law, Making It More Difficult To Foreclose On 1-4 Residential Units

AB 2424 is another law full of financial traps for lenders because it delays foreclosures, by extending the foreclosure period almost, almost, but not quite, idefinitely.

Frankly, My Dear, I Don’t Give A Damn

Tell Someone You Were Close To Exactly How You Feel When The Relationship Turns From Intimacy To Disgust.

Rosie The Riveter And The WWII Propaganda Campaign

Rosie, a fictional symbol for women in the workforce, was a significant figure who stood for women’s independence and played a crucial role in history.

Propaganda is as American As Ice Cream and Apple Pie

Since the emergence of Edward Bernays in the early 20th century, the role of propaganda specialists has been a significant one. This role, rooted in history, continues to shape our present and will likely persist into the future.

Louie, I Think This Is The Beginning Of A Beautiful Friendship

Casablanca (1941), a cinematic masterpiece featuring Humphrey Bogart (Rick Blaine) and Ingrid Bergman (Ilsa), is a captivating blend of romance and political intrigue. Its unique narrative and compelling characters make it a timeless classic.

Bad Bots: The Overwhelming Force Behind From 50% To 73% of Internet Traffic

Before you get excited about all your efforts and capital outlay to create an effective marketing platform and reach thousands of people per day, think again.

Round Up the Usual Suspects

This phrase originated in the 1942 film Casablanca, where Captain Renault ordered his subordinates to round up familiar pawns after Major Strasser was shot.

A Young Asian Women Keeps Bugging Me To Connect On Facebook? Her Name Is “Ho Le Fook.”

Am I That Special, Charming, Gorgeous, Masculine, Desirable, A Real Hunk?

Life Of A Self-starter: A Lifelong Journey

Self-starters are purpose-driven, intrinsically motivated, action-oriented, and demand to get things done.

This Is Not My First Rodeo

This Idiomatic Expression Suggests That Someone Has A Great Deal Of Experience In A Particular Subject Or Activity

Too Few Jobs And Too Few Qualified Applicants (2025)

Following World War II, numerous job opportunities were available in both the manufacturing and the service sectors.

Building Social Capital Through Personal Branding & Self-promotion

The Shifting Landscape in Marketing Techniques

Don’t Open A Can Of Worms: Keep The Secrets Handy

Sometimes, Keeping Things Silent Is The Best Approach: Telling The Truth Could Unleash Unforeseen Harm.

Repositioning Office Buildings Into Apartments And Condominiums Is A Complex Process

In many cases, the demolition crew has a job of dismantling economically, physically, and functionally obsolete buildings.

The Concept Of Red Tape Is Widely Known And Understood

Let’s Cut The Red Tape And Get This Job Done; Distroy The Barriers And All Participants Benefit

Networking With Valuable Financial Services Providers Like CPAs, EAs, and Financial Planners

Is A Valuable Referral Source For Private Money Lenders

I Don’t Have A Pot To Piss In

This Phrase Has Rich Pagentry: A Colorful, Unique Comment About the Plight Of The People

Why Do Hundreds Of Young Beautiful Women Want to Connect with Me On Facebook?

Am I That Special, Charming, Gorgeous, Masculine, Desirable, A Real Hunk? Of Course Not, but I Am A Suspect for Exploitation, Because My Traits Attract Online Scammers

Pennies From Heaven Has Turned Into Pennies In The Trash Bin

Let’s Acquire Some Pennies Without Effort Or Risks; Let’s Wish For Unexpected Financial Benefits

A Penny For Your Thoughts: It Costs A Lot More Today To Buy Thoughts, Only Some Unwarrented Opinions Are Still Free

These Days, A Few Pennies Do Not Buy Many Thoughts; Thoughts Require Hard Dollars, and Many Of Them

Trading Short-Term Gratification for Long-Term Pain

Buy now, pay later is not a good strategy

What We’ve Got Here Is A Failure to Communicate

The Communication is About How Mortgage Brokers Deliver Their Loan Transactions To Viable Lenders

Give'em an inch and they’ll take a mile.

This proverb suggests you will lose much of your territory by giving any or too many concessions.

110 Years Of The Marxist Experiment Have Failed In America

For Timing, The Experiment Began In 1913 With The Creation Of The Federal Reserve System.

Archie And Edith Bunker And All In The Family

Remember the Great Days Of Archie And Edith Bunker, and their Portrayal of Real Life Bigotry

How Many Advertisements Are We Exposed To Each Day

Most advertisements constitute random noise in our lives.

The Verdict: A Pivotal Shift in Employment Matters Now involves the Executive Branch, not the District Courts.

A Monumental Win For The Trump Administration: A Game-Changing Verdict on Employment Matters.

The War Against The Deep State Entrenched Bureaucratic Apparatus

Anyone Who Thinks The War Is An Easy Task Must Rethink The Entrenchment of 100 Years In The Making

Europe Finds That Reliance On Renewables Comes With Frequent Systemic Collapses

The Grid Across Continental Europe Has Collapsed, Causing Blackouts through the entire region

Empower Ourselves With Successful And Kindred Relationships

Who Do We Want to Associate With?

It's My Spring Chili Cookoff Again, With A 20-Bean and Beef Version.

All Fresh, Except two Cans Of Tomato Paste, 3 gallons of delight.

Where Does Personal Power Come From?

Did We Earn It, Inherit It, or Get It From A Monopolistic Institution Like Government, Who takes it by brute force

The Most Difficult Habit To Break Is Giving Advice To Other People

Give advice when asked for by the other party or when you have a financial interest, such as making money. Otherwise, keep your mouth shut.

A Ship Without a Rudder

A lot of energy, but going nowhere fast

Horse Power (HP) as a Unit of Measurement For Power Output

HP is a calculation and part of the physics output of thrust forward.

The Grandson Tries To Exploit Granny For Personal Gain

Financial Elder Abuse in America is at Crisis Proportions.

Right, Left, Centrist, Alt-Right, Alt-Left, Right-Leaning, left-Leaning, Passive, Ignorant, and Non-Participant, Subversive, Criminal

Political and Ideological Factions Abound.

What Happens When You Throw A Party And No One Shows Up

The Official Narrative from the leftist media about Protests, Riots & Mayhem is a lie.

The Borrower Pushes Back On Paying For Adequate Property Insurance

Fools rush in where wise men never tread

Stairway To Heaven

Another Bad Dream: One Day Before the Election Night 2024

The Free Lunch Bunch Got Check Mated

To “Take the Knee” or "Bend the Knee"

Back in the News:

Hitting the Threshold of Complexity:

Understanding and Managing Personal and Professional Growth

The Trade War Is a War For Economic Dominance

Eventual solutions will see a recalibration of trading partners suitable for all participants.

Non-Tariff Cheating

The US has ended up on the losing end: Time to right the ship

I Had a Horrible Dream

Then, On Election Night, I Woke To The Reality That I Got My Country Back

The American Colossal Racketeering Enterprise

For the last 50 years, politicians have seemed too busy lining their own pockets to care about the ultimate collapse.

The Most Brilliant Economic Move By Any President In My Lifetime

No other polititian has had the internal strength go up against the establishment

Are We Allocating Our Time and Resources Correctly?

Time is a precious, limited, and non-renewable resource; once it is gone or wasted, it is gone forever

California Has A Habit Of Issuing Penalties Based On Your Success

the egalitarian state wants to syphen the last dollar out of every half-successful person

Worry is a wasted emotion.

Worry is a Useless Emotion

The Habit of “Ums & Uhs & You Know” in Speech Are Common Filler Words

The use of “ums” &“uhs” & "you know" are filler words that undermine our professionalism

Are We Focused on Yesterday, Today, or Tomorrow?

Do not let the events of yesterday overshadow the potential of today and tomorrow

The National Condo Crisis

75% of older buildings need significant upgrades with the costs passed on the the owners and renters

The Great Stay Has Replaced the Great Resignation.

Alright, Cowboys, Express Your Opinions

But, Does Anyone Care

Compare The Past And Present U.S.A. Executive Leadership

What Is Your Preference? More or Less Regulation

Contrasting U.S.A. Executive Leadership: Past vs Present

What Is Your Preference? More or Less Regulation

The Secretive Counsel Above the Clouds

America Has Been Ruled By A Self-Serving Cabal

Who Defines Our Narratives?

CNN and MSNBC

The Cultural And Economic Collapse in the Biden Economy

Now We Can Openly Endorse Positive Changes

The Good, The Bad, and The Indifferent

People React Differently, Only Some Are Indifferent, Or Otherwise No Interested

The COVID Lockdowns Blew Up Every Cultural and Economic Paradigm

Never let a crisis go to waste.

Will Interest Rates Rise or Decrease in 2025?

The First 100 Days Of The Trump Administration Will Dictate The Direction

The U.S. Economy

Is it a Perpetual Zombi and Ponzi Scheme?

Living in High Tax States vs Low Tax States

Escape The High-Pressured Hamster-Like Financial Treadmill Lifestyle

Are Your Bank Accounts Safe? Part II of II

A Follow Up To Part I: If Your Money and Safety Deposit Contents Are Confuscated Who Will Benefit?

Are Your Bank Accounts Safe? Part I of II

The Answer is No, Hell No, And Absolutely Unequovically No: Your Bank Account Balances Do Not Belong To You Any Longer

The Impact of Mansion Taxes in California

Soak The Rich Because Thats Where The Money Is

EVs vs. ICE Automobiles: An Overview- Part I of II

Electric vs Internal Combustion Vehicles, History, Benefits, and Detriments

Anatomy of a Snowflake-Part II

Atticus Met his College Girlfriend, Who Became his Life Partner

Anatomy of a Snowflake- Part I:

A satirical exploration of the 'Snowflake Generation, a term often used to describe young people perceived as overly sensitive, entitled, and intolerant of opposing viewpoints.

You Can’t Handle The Truth

Can the public handle the truth

They have the money, and I am entitled to a share.

They are rich, and I’m not. So, I don’t mind stealing their electricity.

Bureaucratic Processes Clog the Organizational Systems

Systems Promoting Inefficiencies Create A Drag on Productivity and Output

A Shadow Of Yesterday’s Greatness

The new administration under Donald J. Trump faces the daunting task of restoring the U.S. to a state of economic stability

Parkinson's Laws

indictment of poor work habits, failing culture, organizational and institutional fraud, and government inefficiencies

The Old General Store

A Central Place For Shopping For Goods and Social Interaction With The Community

On Becoming An Effective President

Representing The Interest Of The Taxpayers

Vacant And Under-Utilized Federal Buildings

Looking At The Eye-Popping Inefficiencies

Returning America To A Cultural Model For The World To Admire

My Days and Nights are Illuminated With a Renewed Sense of Optimism and Delight

Fake News, Propaganda, and Disinformation- Part I

Fake News Is Having Its Comeuppence; The Viewership Sees Through The Fog Of Lies

Should We Outlaw Fossil Fuels?

Should We Outlaw Fossil Fuels? The Old Guard Says Yes, The New Guard Says No!

Debt Serfdom and the American Enterprise

How Did We Allow Ourselves To Get Locked Into Hyper-Consumerism

Fake News, Propaganda, and Disinformation, Part II

The Public Is Now Aware That Mainstream Media Is Often A Preveyor of Misinformation

The Greatest Heists in American History

It’s Not From Robbing Banks, But Actions In The Rigged System

Debasement: Watching Your Dollars Shrink in Value

Continuous Debasement Keeps The Common People On An Economic Tread Mill

McMansion Blues

Decision To Move Down Into A Smaller Home

Consent of the Governed Has Been By Manipulation:

This Is A Historic Reality

What’s It All About, My Biker Friends?

A Poem to Celebrate the Shared Passion for the Biker Lifestyle.

The 80/20 Rule

Leverage Your Effectiveness

The Assistants Who Matter

Assistants Are A Valuable Resource That Allows The Leverage Our Time And Effectiveness

Society’s Challenging Problems: Work Around Them

Confront Them By Becoming a Self-Starter and Reject Mediocracy.

The Value Of Truth: Alternative News Sources:

Empower Yourself By Locating New Sources That Tell The Truth

The Smartest Badger in Badgerville

They Lurk From Within, Always Looking For New Opportunities

Escape From The Jungle Of Working To Much

Rejuvenate Yourself With Time Away From Work Pressure

Who Do You Want to Associate With? Empower Yourself:

Intelligently, Associate With Kindred Spirits

When A 'Friend' Turns Out To Be An Antagonist

Don't Give Opinions or Accept Opinions From Others Unless It Is Invited Or You Can Make Money From

Don’t Let the Old Man In

Reject Societal Age Biases By Breaking The Mold And Remaining HIghly Productive

How To Reinvent Ourselves, Part I

On Being Ourselves As A Unique Sovereign

Take Ownership of Ourself and Our Worth

Who Moved My Marketing Techniques Cheese?

The Shifting Landscape in Effective Marketing Techniques

The Great Pretending

Are We Correctly Allocating Our Time and Resources?

Treat Others with Dignity and Respect

They Will Treat You The Same

Why is the Public Not Happy with Inflation?

Inflation Directly Erodes The Purchasing Power Of Our Dollars

Why Do We Allow Others to Define Our Narratives?

We Should Define Our Own Narratives

Facing Economic Challenges Head-On

Attitudes, Actions, and Behavior Patterns

We are defined by those that we closely associate with

8 Smart Mice Hanging Out in the Bar!

Dan's Humorous Take